A few weeks ago I read a post on Yasso 800s by Run with Jess. Basically you run 10 x 800m at a consistently hard pace to predict your marathon finish time. i.e. If you’re able to run each of those 10 intervals in 4 minutes, you can run a 4 hour marathon (source: Run with Jess). Interesting concept. I read more about it here. On Thursday I set out to the gym for these Yassos. I managed to do four, each one in 4:30. Hmm, does that mean I will be able to finish a marathon in 4:30 too? Whoa! Not so fast. I need to be able to do 10 and not just 4. On Thursday I will do 4 again and slowly build up so that I am doing 10. According to Bart Yasso, my last 10 intervals should be about 2 weeks before the marathon.
Do you incorporate Yasso 800s in your training plan? Was it accurate?
Run Happy!
I think 800s are an EXCELLENT workout. I think they build mental and physical strength, and they can be a great addition when training for almost any distance. However, there are no other runners/coaches/experts that agree with the Yasso 800 theory. If you think about it, how in the HECK could half a mile predict 26.2. I have kids on my track team that could rip off 10 x 800s in the 2:30 range, but could never even finish a marathon. If someone is looking for a goal/prediction, I think the McMillan chart is better. Granted, I don't think it's 100% accurate, but better than the Yasso, in my opinion.